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5 Fun Facts About the World's Smartest Dog

Woof Wednesday

Everyone thinks their dog is the smartest dog in the world. There's no need for an argument, though. We’re not talking about one particular dog, but a breed that many believe is smarter than the rest. The Border Collie. Here are five fun facts for you to ponder.

1. Oxford or Cambridge Dogs?

Even though the Border Collie is believed to be the world’s smartest pooch, he didn’t originate from either the University of Oxford or Cambridge. Instead, he originated from the borders of England, Scotland and Wales, hence the name…

2. He Works Hard for the Money.

Bred for farming, the Border Collie can add the “best sheep herding dog in the world” feather to his cap. This dog is known for loving hard work, and is extremely energetic. Sorry folks, he’s probably not suitable for one of those tiny NYC apartments.

3. Circus Star?

Not quite, but this dog needs careful training with lots of mental and physical exercise. He’s definitely no couch potato! But this is great for a Border Collie owner -- they get fitter and sharpen their intellect. In fact, it would be especially handy if the Border Collie could help us with today's New York Times crossword puzzle.

4. Is That Lassie?

While Lassie, probably the world’s most famous dog, is a member of the Collie family, she’s not a Border Collie. There are many types of Collies, including the Bearded, Scotch, and Border Collie. Some collie types don't even include “collie” in their name. However, Lassie, a Rough Collie, helped make the Collie one of the most popular breed types in the world.

5. Control Freak?

No, but since the Border Collie is a working dog, he's at his happiest when working (what else?). You'll never find this purebred in the unemployment line; he'll step up to do a variety of tasks: herding, dancing, flying disc sports, even search and rescue. Just don't be surprised when he herds the kids, other animals, even you to keep a sense of order in the house.

So there you have it, some fun information about the world’s smartest breed of dog.

Woof! It’s Wednesday.

purebred

Term used to refer to an animal that is one of the recognized, pure breeds